We are all capable of change. The real question is are you willing to put in the work? In today’s world, the words diversity, equity, and inclusion are no longer optional for organizations that want to hire and retain the best talent, remain innovative and creative, and build profit with teams that are motivated and happy to be in the workplace.
Jobs have a huge impact on an individual’s quality of life. With people spending over 90,000 hours at work during their lifetime, it is not surprising that their quality of life is largely dependent on their feelings of belonging in the workplace.
Inclusion and Belonging
Belonging is crucial to our happiness and is the primary way we cultivate our self-identity. It gives us a sense of connection to something bigger, thus allowing space to feel secure and respected, find purpose, build meaningful relationships, foster trust, and find common language and understanding.
When we feel we belong, we feel safe to explore who we are and what we want to accomplish with our lives.
Inclusion and belonging are closely related concepts. Where belonging is the feeling of being accepted, inclusion is the act of creating an environment where belonging can thrive.
In organizations, leaders are responsible for providing inclusive spaces where team members feel they belong.
How do I know if my workplace is inclusive?
Asking the right questions helps leadership identify gaps in being inclusive. You can start with:
Is my workforce diverse?
Have I recruited from a wide range of backgrounds?
Am I providing equal pay and benefits to all employees?
Have I implemented diversity training for all staff on unconscious bias and inclusion?
Has that training met the needs of my organization?
Do I communicate organizational goals?
Do I have the option to ask for and hear employee feedback?
Do I make strategic decisions that align with the goals that are set and the feedback I hear?
Don’t feel overwhelmed by the answers you find. Creating inclusive spaces is an ongoing effort as your workforce evolves, grows, and learns.
What’s one thing I can do today?
One of the easiest yet most impactful ways to respect a diverse workforce is to recognize the holidays and holy days that they may celebrate. Each year, The Folke Institute creates an annual calendar of holidays and holy days celebrated by people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
How can this create impact?
Imagine being asked to participate in a team luncheon during a day that your religion dictates you should be fasting. Would you feel respected and understood?
Or, imagine being recognized on National Caregiver’s Day by a colleague that knows you care for your elderly mother.
Adding these holidays and holy days to your organizational calendar is an intentional way to recognize diversity and demonstrate respect. This is something you can implement in your workplace immediately.
Check out our February 2023 calendar line-up. How many of these are you currently recognizing in your organization?
February is Black History Month
Feb 1 - National Freedom Day | Imbolc
Feb 3 - Setsubun
Feb 4 - Rosa Parks Day
Feb 5 - Tu B'Shevat | Maghi-Purnima Lantern Festival
Feb 15 - Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day)
Feb 17 - National Caregivers Day | Lailat al Miraj
Feb 18 - Maha Shivaratri
Feb 20 - World Day of Social Justice | Presidents Day
Feb 21 - International Mother Language Day | Mardi Gras
Feb 22 - Ash Wednesday | Lent (Start) | Ramadan (Start)
Feb 25 - Ayyám-i-Há (Start)
*If you have a holiday or holy day recommendation to add to our inclusion calendar please reach out to us.
Reach out to The Folke Institute
Become a better leader. Create a more inclusive workspace. Foster belonging and respect in your organizations and communities. That is what The Folke Institute is here to help you do. We have over a decade of experience supporting organizations like yours with tailored training opportunities that help them thrive.
Are you ready to become more?
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